Brackenfell

The name Brackenfell is of Scottish origin, meaning ‘Fern Hill’. A hill (‘fell’) in town was named Kanonberg because of the signal cannon placed there to warn farmers of the arrival of ships in Table Bay. Today Brackenfell is a busy suburb boasting excellent shopping facilities.

HISTORICAL VIEW

Mooiplaas Homestead (1833)

Nestles deep in the Bottelary Hills

Hazendal Farm (Bottelary)

This historic wine farm (1699) was lavishly restored during January 1998.

Milestone no XV
situated in the foyer of the Municipality of Kuilsrivier originally used to indicate the distance from Cape Town. Stockists of imported and local trees. View the skill and expertise of the art of Bonsai tree cutting.

Tygerberg Zoo

Apart from the magnificent African Lions, the zoo is home to a number of other big cats, including Bengal tigers, Cape leopards, black leopard and cheetah. The zoo has ponds with swans, walk-through aviaries and the only breeding White Storks found in southern Africa. View African Lovebirds, colourful South American Parrots, Giant Eagle Owls, flamingos and pelicans. Dwarf crocodiles coming from West Africa, these juveniles are kept in a temperature-controlled environment and are harmless to man. In fact, they are known to eat fruit. When fully grown these dwarf crocodiles are less than two metres in length. A number of dwarf antelope species are bred at the Tygerberg zoo. Among others, there are Blue Duiker, Grysbok and Suni. The zoo probably has the finest tortoise collection found anywhere in South Africa with specimens ranging from the Giant Tortoise of the Seychelles, to the tiny Namaqua Speckled Tortoise and the endangered Geometric Tortoise. The large variety of snakes include huge, harmless Pythons, deadly African Mambas and American Rattlesnakes. The Cape Cobra, in many colour variations, can also be seen . European Brown bears are housed in the largest bear enclosure in Africa. Bears are reckoned to be the most dangerous of all carnivores. See one of the largest chimp groups in South Africa. Visitors find their complex social behaviour fascinating. The Tygerberg Zoo gas a farmyard with dwarf goats, sheep, donkeys, Llamas, pigs, ducks and other domestic animals – a very popular attraction with young children. Souvenirs are available in the Tearoom to remind you of your visit to Tygerberg Zoo. Picnicking is permitted almost anywhere in the park. A refreshment centre is located near the entrance gate. Tea, coffee, soft drinks, ice cream and various fast foods are available.

ACTIVITIES

Bird Watching

The Bottelary and Kuilsrivier area are home to a large variety of bird species.

Horse Trails (experienced or novice raiders)

Mountain View Horse Trails. Friesland Horse Trails. Camelot Riding School.

Organised Tours

KUNAK present leadership camps and day trips for schools and other groups.

Outdoor Activities

Include abseiling, hiking and canoeing.

Sport

Golf Courses

Kuilsrivier Golf Club

Accommodation in and around Brackenfell